A Landscaper’s Costs and Profits
Some landscapers feel they have a knack for estimating any kind of job. Whether it includes extra bricklaying, trimming shrubs, driveway repairs or simple flower plantings—they usually have a good idea of what it will cost and what the profits will be. In short, they are confident in their industry and how it works. That’s a good thing. It also means, unfortunately, that it can be easy to become more passive or inattentive to job profitability. There are numerous variables that will eventually decide what a business owner’s future will look like, from 3 months down the road to 1 year and on. Overbidding can lose you good work and underbidding can be worse. Now is the time to take a good hard look at every possible request a client may ask of you. Know what you are willing to do first, then block out some serious time for creating an itemized list (+ taxes) for those costs. After you’ve created your list of hard costs, you’ll want to check out the topography of a project first. For instance: Make note of previously planted trees/shrubs Consider the dimensions of pre-installed structures Take accurate measurements of areas to be worked Determine Continue Reading »